10 Most Common Mistakes Tourists Make When They Visit Paris

10 Most Common Mistakes Tourists Make When They Visit Paris

The more one travels, the more one realizes that there are right and wrong ways of doing things in different parts of the world. 

Often, many tourists forget that they are visiting the home of an entire civilization. They arrive with the mindset of a guest, as opposed to a volunteer, and expect things to be adjusted around them to keep them calm and happy. 

Travel requires adaptation, constant learning, and the ability to read the room at all times. There are the 10 most common mistakes that tourists make upon arrival in Paris. 

by loly galina – Unsplash

1. Getting a Rental Car

Why? For what? Paris has one of the most reliable and advanced public transport networks on the face of the Earth. And one of the least functional driving/parking systems. 

If you’re exploring Paris, there is simply no need to add yet another car to the already congested streets. Not only will you spend your time desperately trying to interpret the French traffic signs, but you’ll battle with parking no matter where you go, and spend a fortune on gas in the process. 

There is no need for a car in Paris. If you intend to rent for the purpose of doing a day trip out of the city, or to get to another country, then rent a vehicle starting on this day of departure only. 

Click here for rental car tips and tricks for when in Paris!

2. Make Zero Effort with the Language 

At the very least, memorize “bonjour” and “merci”, and use them every time you enter or leave a space. This goes for museums, restaurants, hotels — the lot. 

A little effort goes a long way. The French don’t expect everyone to be able to communicate fluently, but knowing a greeting or two is common courtesy in any country and you’ll be met with much better service because of it. 

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3. Pay Extra for Hotel Breakfast

Hotels will slap on an extra 10 euros or so per day just to give you access to the infamous “breakfast buffet” each morning.

In France, that is an exorbitant amount for some coffee and croissants, which would otherwise cost under 1 euro were you to simply step outside and stroll to the nearest patisserie. Don’t fall for this. 

For the best traditional French breakfast in Paris, click here!

4. Stand in Ticket Lines for Tours and Attractions

At all notable attractions in Paris, you’ll find people queuing for hours just to gain entry. Here’s the best advice you’ll get all year: all Parisian attractions have separate lines for ticket buyers, and ticket holders. 

Prepaid tickets can be bought from your cellphone two minutes prior to arrival at the attraction, and you can step directly into the shorter, faster queue from there. Never wait in line to buy tickets in Paris. The internet is your friend!

by Kazuo ota – Unsplash

5. Pay For Water

Many tourists arrive in Paris under very strong conviction that the city water is absolutely not drinkable, thanks to the plague and those revolutions all those years ago. 

This couldn’t be further from the truth, as Paris has one of the most advanced water filtration systems in the world, and drinking tap water is no more harmful than breathing in the city air. 

Don’t fall victim to cafes and restaurants who make a quick buck by adding three euro water to every bill. Ask explicitly for tap water from the moment you sit down. 

6. Tipping Too Much or Feeling Pressured to Tip

In France, serving is considered a profession or career choice. Servers are paid proper living salaries each month, and are not dependent at all on the tips that you leave after your eggs and coffee. 

There is no pressure to leave anything behind after a dining experience, but if you feel compelled to do so, rounding up to the nearest euro will suffice. 

by Cederic Vandenberghe – Unsplash

Click here for a guide to tipping etiquette in Paris

7. Not Checking the Prices of Cocktails 

The price of fancy beverages in Paris is always rather astounding to those who’ve become accustomed to not checking prior to ordering. A lot of tourists find themselves in awe when the bill comes at the end of the evening and “all we had were five margaritas?”. 

Cocktails cost more than most mid-range restaurant meals in Paris. Take the time to read before you order, or you’ll blow through your budget faster than you intended to. 

For the most exquisite cocktails in Paris, click here!

8. Packing Poorly

I meet so many tourists who tell of how they totally botched their packing, and had to purchase cheap department store clothing on day two because they simply “could not anymore”. 

Paris is a city for walking, for unexpected turns in the weather, and for easy transitions from day to night. You don’t need much, but you do need a solid pair of shoes, a compact umbrella, and a light jacket at all times. 

by Yiwen – Unsplash

Here are some packing tips for Paris

9. Becoming a Pickpocket Hotspot 

Walk though Paris and observe how many blissfully unaware individuals have their handbags draped over the back of their cafe chairs. Poor things — definitely tourists. 

Paris is notorious for its pickpockets, and people love to live under the impression that it “could never happen” to them. “I’m far too alert”, they say. 

Take it from someone whose had their entire purse taken from right under their arm, only to notice it was gone after a good five to ten minutes later. It’s truly quite impressive how good they are.

10. Talking Loudly 

Paris is big, spacious, and in many ways, ostentatious. There is a time and a place for everything, and Parisians are very good at knowing when an inside voice is necessary, and when an outdoor voice is in order. 

The metro is not a nightclub; there is no need to talk at full volume and subject the entire car to your tales. Similarly, when walking quiet, suburban streets, try not to let the neighbors know you’ve arrived. 

Save the boisterous volume and high pitched banter for bars, nightclubs and certain cafes. Even restaurants don’t like when a single table seems to be taking over the space as more alcohol begins to flow. Poor taste when in Paris!

By Dimitry Anikin – Unsplash